No. 103097829

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テラコッタの頭部 - Komaland - Ghana  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 85
No reserve price
9 weeks ago

テラコッタの頭部 - Komaland - Ghana (No reserve price)

The present fragmentary terracotta head from the Komaland region in northern Ghana belongs to a distinctive archaeological corpus discovered across the savanna zones near Yikpabongo and neighboring sites. This area, situated in the upper reaches of the Volta basin, has yielded a large number of terracotta fragments dated roughly between the 6th and 13th centuries, making it one of the most significant sculptural traditions in West Africa outside the better-known Nok region. Please note that in absence of laboratory tests, the attribution is provided for reference only, based on our knowledge and experience in the field. Incl stand. The head fragments are typically modeled in coarse terracotta with visible inclusions, reflecting locally sourced clay and relatively low firing temperatures. Surfaces often retain traces of burnishing, though erosion is common due to burial conditions. A defining regional characteristic is the treatment of the eyes, which may appear exaggerated, tubular, or ringed, giving the face a striking, almost schematic expression. This feature distinguishes Komaland material from other West African terracotta traditions. The fragmentation seen today is typical, as most finds come from secondary deposition contexts rather than intact structures. Geographically, Komaland lies in the northern regions of Ghana, closer to the Burkina Faso border, within a dry savanna environment that contrasts with the forested zones further south. This setting influences both the preservation and the material qualities of the terracottas. Compared to southern Akan-related sculptural traditions, Komaland works are more archaic in appearance, with a stronger emphasis on abstraction and structural simplicity. The fragmentary nature of these heads does not diminish their formal coherence; even in partial condition, they convey a clear sculptural language defined by bold volumes, simplified anatomy, and a consistent approach to facial construction. These characteristics allow them to be securely attributed to the Komaland tradition within the broader archaeological landscape of northern Ghana. Lit.: Anquandah, James (1982). Rediscovering Ghana’s Past. London: Longman. Anquandah, James (1993). “Komaland: Excavations and Cultural Sequence.” Insoll, Timothy (2013). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge University Press. Insoll, Timothy; Kankpeyeng, Benjamin; MacLean, Rachel (2009). “The Komaland Terracottas of Northern Ghana.” African Arts. Kankpeyeng, Benjamin W. (2005). “Excavations at Yikpabongo and the Komaland Terracottas.” Insoll, Timothy (2006). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Stahl, Ann Brower (2001). Making History in Banda. Cambridge University Press.

No. 103097829

Sold
テラコッタの頭部 - Komaland - Ghana  (No reserve price)

テラコッタの頭部 - Komaland - Ghana (No reserve price)

The present fragmentary terracotta head from the Komaland region in northern Ghana belongs to a distinctive archaeological corpus discovered across the savanna zones near Yikpabongo and neighboring sites. This area, situated in the upper reaches of the Volta basin, has yielded a large number of terracotta fragments dated roughly between the 6th and 13th centuries, making it one of the most significant sculptural traditions in West Africa outside the better-known Nok region. Please note that in absence of laboratory tests, the attribution is provided for reference only, based on our knowledge and experience in the field. Incl stand.

The head fragments are typically modeled in coarse terracotta with visible inclusions, reflecting locally sourced clay and relatively low firing temperatures. Surfaces often retain traces of burnishing, though erosion is common due to burial conditions.

A defining regional characteristic is the treatment of the eyes, which may appear exaggerated, tubular, or ringed, giving the face a striking, almost schematic expression. This feature distinguishes Komaland material from other West African terracotta traditions. The fragmentation seen today is typical, as most finds come from secondary deposition contexts rather than intact structures.

Geographically, Komaland lies in the northern regions of Ghana, closer to the Burkina Faso border, within a dry savanna environment that contrasts with the forested zones further south. This setting influences both the preservation and the material qualities of the terracottas. Compared to southern Akan-related sculptural traditions, Komaland works are more archaic in appearance, with a stronger emphasis on abstraction and structural simplicity.

The fragmentary nature of these heads does not diminish their formal coherence; even in partial condition, they convey a clear sculptural language defined by bold volumes, simplified anatomy, and a consistent approach to facial construction. These characteristics allow them to be securely attributed to the Komaland tradition within the broader archaeological landscape of northern Ghana.

Lit.: Anquandah, James (1982). Rediscovering Ghana’s Past. London: Longman. Anquandah, James (1993). “Komaland: Excavations and Cultural Sequence.” Insoll, Timothy (2013). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cambridge University Press. Insoll, Timothy; Kankpeyeng, Benjamin; MacLean, Rachel (2009).
“The Komaland Terracottas of Northern Ghana.” African Arts. Kankpeyeng, Benjamin W. (2005). “Excavations at Yikpabongo and the Komaland Terracottas.” Insoll, Timothy (2006). The Archaeology of Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa. Stahl, Ann Brower (2001). Making History in Banda. Cambridge University Press.

Final bid
€ 85
No reserve price
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Estimate € 150 - € 200

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